In the world of Formula 1, the sight of Max Verstappen—the man synonymous with Red Bull’s dominance—behind the wheel of a Mercedes is enough to make any fan do a double-take. Yet, that is exactly what unfolded recently at the Algarve International Circuit in Portimão. As the 2026 season approaches, the three-time World Champion hasn’t been relaxing on a beach; instead, he has been spotted pushing a Mercedes AMG GT3 to its absolute limits in a private, high-intensity testing session that has sent social media into a frenzy.
While the “Verstappen to Mercedes” rumors have floated around the F1 paddock for years, this particular outing has a much more personal and entrepreneurial motivation. The testing in Portugal was not a sign of a shock seat swap in Formula 1, but rather a critical step in the evolution of Verstappen Racing. As the Dutchman prepares his own team for a competitive campaign in the GT World Challenge, he has taken a “hands-on” approach that few other modern drivers would dare.
A Champion’s Discipline
The footage emerging from Portimão shows a driver who is never truly “off.” Verstappen’s commitment to the Mercedes AMG GT3 project highlights his obsession with mechanical perfection and driver feel. Throughout the private test, Max wasn’t just putting in laps for the sake of speed; he was meticulously providing feedback to his engineers, fine-tuning the setup of the Mercedes machinery that his team will utilize throughout the 2026 season.
Witnesses at the track noted the visceral sound of the AMG’s V8 engine echoing through the hills of the Algarve as Verstappen explored the car’s aerodynamic threshold. For Max, racing isn’t just a job—it’s a 365-day-a-year pursuit. By testing the Mercedes himself, he ensures that the baseline for his drivers in the GT World Challenge is set at a championship-winning standard. It is this level of detail that has made him a titan of the sport, and it is now being injected into the DNA of his own racing organization.
The Strategy Behind the Mercedes Choice
Many fans questioned why the Red Bull star would choose Mercedes for his GT3 venture. The answer lies in the technical landscape of GT racing. The Mercedes AMG GT3 is widely regarded as one of the most successful and versatile platforms in endurance racing. For Verstappen Racing to be competitive from the jump, aligning with a proven winner was a logical business decision.
However, seeing the iconic three-pointed star on the hood of a car driven by the man who ended Lewis Hamilton’s reign remains a powerful visual. It serves as a reminder that in the upper echelons of motorsport, performance often outweighs brand rivalry. Max is building a legacy that extends beyond his own cockpit; he is building a racing empire. The Portimão tests were as much about data acquisition as they were about establishing Verstappen Racing as a force to be reckoned with outside of the F1 circus.
What’s Next for Verstappen Racing in 2026?
As the 2026 calendar begins to fill up, the implications of these tests are clear. Verstappen is expected to not only manage the team but potentially partake in select GT3 races himself when his grueling F1 schedule allows. The prospect of seeing the World Champion compete in a multi-class endurance environment is a mouth-watering thought for racing purists.
This private test at Portimão was a statement of intent. It signaled that Verstappen Racing isn’t just a vanity project—it’s a serious contender backed by the most focused driver on the planet. Whether he’s in a Red Bull F1 car or a Mercedes GT3, the goal remains the same: absolute victory. As we look toward the 2026 season, the lines between team owner and driver continue to blur for Max Verstappen, and the racing world is better for it.